Note: Tristin Achenbach led high school softball teams to three state championships and is considered one of the best pitchers in Treasure State history. A two-time state Gatorade Player of the Year while playing for teams at Conrad-Choteau and C.M. Russell High, she is now a true freshman on the University of Montana softball team. The Grizzlies began Big Sky Conference tournament play on Thursday in Ogden, Utah, a day after we caught up with Tristin for our Sunday Conversation.

Q: It’s a big transition from high school softball to the college level. How has it been for you?

A: It really is a big transition. There’s been a lot of growing, and there’s still a lot of growing that’s happening. I’m in the middle of the transition, still. But it’s been an exciting year.

Q: What’s been the highlight for you so far?

A: Honestly just my teammates and the friends I’ve made through my teammates has been the highlight. I’ve made lifelong friendships already, and I’ve only been here for a year.

Q: Has the competition level been about what you expected?

A: I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew it was going to be very different from everything I’ve known, and I went into it without any expectations. It’s been a learning process, that’s for sure.

Q: Is there a longer distance from the pitching rubber to home plate in college?

A: No, it’s the same. 43 feet.

Q: Are you a little taller than you were in high school, Tristin? Are you about 6-1 these days?

A: I don’t think so. I like to tell people I’m 6-foot (laughs).

Q: OK. You know for those of us who never really saw you lose any games, it’s a little different to see the Grizzlies losing once in a while with Tristin getting the loss (Note: She entered the Big Sky tournament with a 4-4 record, 3.70 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 53 innings). Has that been a little difficult to deal with?

A: Yes, but I think that’s been part of the growing. Not only the physical changes, but also mental approaches to the game. I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been here. Yes I have.

Q: You’ve been such a champion with so much success in your pitching career. Has being on the wrong end of the score a few times been especially hard for you?

A: Right, but I think failure is really the only way to grow and then become more successful. So I’m hoping that’s what I get out of this season.

Q: That’s a great attitude. I’m wondering if you get some advice from time to time from your Grandpa Dale Pohle? (Note: Tristin’s parents are Patty and Nate Achenbach. Patty is the daughter of Dale, who was a longtime successful football coach at Great Falls High)

A: I’m sure I could ask him anytime and get some great advice (laughs).

Q: Has your family been able to travel and watch you play very much this spring?

A: Yes, they’ve made a few trips when we’ve traveled and they’ve made all the home games in Missoula. So that’s been nice.

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Former CMR and Conrad-Choteau pitcher Tristin Achenbach is in her freshman season with the University of Montana softball team.(Photo: TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO/RION SANDERS)

Q: We’re a little disappointed that you’re not getting to bat very much, Tristin (she batted over .400 last year for the CMR Rustlers).

A: I haven’t even been practicing that (laughs). I’ve just been pitching, and I’m OK with that.

Q: Well, you’re a pretty good hitter. I don’t know that I’d give it up completely, Kid.

A: All right (laughs). We’ll see.

Q: Do you feel like you’re throwing the ball harder than ever? Are there are any improvements you can point to?

A: You know, I don’t know about harder, but I would say there’s some improvement in my mental approach: What I’m throwing and how I’m throwing it. I think I’ve definitely improved that way.

Q: Can you put into words how much tougher the hitters are in college than in high school?

A: You can definitely tell a difference from batters back then and batters now (laughs).

Q: Are you as ambitious as ever? Is winning still as much as fun as it always was?

A: Oh yes, I’m definitely excited to move forward. I always want to get better. I’m hoping this summer and next fall leading to next season I can get better. Right now I’m focusing on the conference tournament. That’s the main goal.

Q: Will you be able to come home this summer?

A: Yes. I’ll be at home and working out.

Q: Do a little throwing and having your Old Man do the catching? (Note: Nate Achenbach is an assistant principal at CMR and a former star basketball player at MSU-Northern)

A: Yep, probably (laughs). I’ll put him on a bucket and make him do it (laughs).

Q: Have you noticed, Tristin, how well the Great Falls High Bison are doing? They’re undefeated.

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Tristin Achenbach pitches for the University of Montana Griz softball team at a recent game in Missoula.(Photo: TRIBUNE PHOTO/KRISTEN INBODY)

A: I’ve noticed that on Twitter. That’s pretty cool.

Q: The Rustlers have struggled a little bit. But they lost some pretty good players to graduation, you know.

A: They lost quite a few players (laughs), but they’re still doing all right.

Q: I’m sure your high school career, especially pitching before big crowds in the crosstown games here in Great Falls, is something you look back on with a lot of pride.

Q: Well, will hear a lot about Tristin Achenbach the next three years with Lady Griz softball?

A: I sure hope so (laughs). I’m going to do my best.

Q: What are you studying?

A: You know, I’ve changed my major a few times (laughs). Right now the plan is to major in Psychology and do my prerequisites for Occupational Therapy.

Q: And then the U.S. Olympic Softball Team perhaps?

A: (laughs)

Q: I’m sure you hope to play softball as long as you can, right Tristin?

A: Yes. Definitely.

Q: Our annual Tribune Northcentral Montana Sports Awards banquet is coming up in Great Falls on May 21. I’m really looking forward to that. Chase Reynolds, formerly of the Grizzlies and the NFL, is our guest speaker.

A: That’s awesome.

Q: If you had any advice for young athletes, especially for those who play multiple sports, what would you say?

A: I think I’d say that working hard gets you to wherever you want to be. And without that hard work, you’ll never get the results that you want.

Q: You played multiple sports in high school. Are you glad you did instead of specializing in one?

A: Yes. I think it’s a bummer that kids specialize, but playing multiple sports makes you a better competitor. It’s all about how you compete. So I think it’s too bad that some kids are specializing these days.

Q: Thank you. I wish you all the best, Tristin.

A: Yes, of course. Thank you for calling me.

Scott Mansch’s Sunday Conversations appear frequently in this space. He can be reached at 791-1481 or smansch@greatfallstribune.com